The Legacy Tree Project
Meet the schools helping students turn learning into action through growing, caring for and planting native trees.
A school growing right now
Circle Cross Ranch Elementary
Contact: Katie Hansen
To Principal Kayla Piel
A special thank you to Principal Kayla Piel, who believed in the Legacy Tree Project and welcomed it into Circle Cross Ranch Elementary. Her support gave this project a place to begin.
To Our Sixth-Grade Teachers
Ms. Hirsch, Mr. Damasco, Ms. Hofmann and Mrs. Christ
These teachers were the first to take on the Legacy Tree Project and have been there alongside their students every step of the way. Their dedication, encouragement and willingness to take on something new have made such a difference. From planting the first seeds to caring for growing trees, they have helped make this experience meaningful for their students.
To Our Students
Our students deserve so much credit for the work they’ve done. From the beginning, they understood what this project was about and took it seriously. They listened, learned, worked together and put genuine effort into planting seeds and caring for their trees. They took on the responsibility and did an incredible job.
To Everyone Who Has Been Part of the Journey
To the families, school staff, volunteers, community members and partners who have shared their time, knowledge, resources and encouragement, thank you.
So many people have played a part in bringing the Legacy Tree Project to life. Each contribution has helped create opportunities for our students and made this journey possible. Thank you!
Bring The Legacy Tree Project to Your School
We're working to bring curriculum, teacher training, growing systems and support to build a lasting program at your school. We're currently taking sign-ups in the Florence Unified School District and the Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Cottonwood and Clarkdale areas. If you're out of state and would like to start your own, please get in touch.
Students plant the seeds that begin the Legacy Tree cycle. With a 14–18 month growing period, the trees they start will be cared for and carried forward by the students who come after them. The first class leaves its legacy by starting something another class will continue. While their trees are growing, students take part in a field experience that connects what they are doing at school to the places their trees can one day support.
Students plant the next round of seeds for the incoming class while taking part in their first restoration project, planting the trees that were started and cared for by the students before them. They carry one legacy forward while beginning the next.
Students plant seeds for the next incoming class, receive the trees grown by the class before them, and plant those trees in a new restoration project. They also monitor and report on the trees planted in Year 2, learning that restoration doesn’t end when a tree goes into the ground.
The school keeps the program going through its own partnerships. The Legacy Tree Project provides connections for tree donation and planting opportunities, but the school leads the growing, planting and projects.
What The Legacy Tree Project provides
Curriculum, teacher training, growing systems, implementation support, environmental knowledge, community partnerships, fundraising resources, supplies when available, restoration connections and evaluation.
What your school provides
A safe growing location, a reliable watering plan, participating students and staff and transportation for program field trips.
Invested back into your school
The Legacy Tree Project helps plan and build gardens, pollinator spaces, tree nurseries, irrigation improvements, shade, cooling and outdoor learning spaces.
Sponsors a native tree.
Sponsors 25 trees for one class.
Sponsors one school growing cycle.
Any amount is welcome, donate what works for you.